Heat Pump Outdoor unit proximity limit to gas rinnai infinity hot water unit

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jimbob79

673 posts

Ultimate Geek

#198170 29-Jun-2016 11:20

Hi all,

I want to get an additional heat pump but the location of the heat pump's outdoor unit would be in close proximity to an exiting gas Rinnai Infinity hot water system. However, apparently the heat pump's outdoor unit has to be a minimum distance away from the hot water system of 1.5 meters. I can't find any regulatory standards regarding this. What is the rules about heat pumps and gas units?

I have found the Infinity hot water system can't be close to windows.

gregmcc

2147 posts

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#1582563 29-Jun-2016 12:03

most likely in the electrical regulations, couldn't tell you exactly where, but more than likely in the hazardous area regulations

slingynz

154 posts

Master Geek

#1582573 29-Jun-2016 12:17

I had the same issue when our heat pumps were installed. http://www.energysafety.govt.nz/about/publications/publications-for-industry/industry-bulletins/electrical-safety-bulletins/electrical-work-near-gas-installations

Adamww

48 posts

Geek

#1582579 29-Jun-2016 12:30

That linked energy safety page seems to suggest the restriction would only apply to devices that can vent raw gas - i.e. gas bottles or gas meters. As far as I know an infinity wouldn't fall under that restriction. In fact an infinity is full of "sparking electronics"- relays, ignitors etc so I cant see why a heat pump nearby would be considered more risky?

slingynz

154 posts

Master Geek

#1582630 29-Jun-2016 13:08

Adamww:

That linked energy safety page seems to suggest the restriction would only apply to devices that can vent raw gas - i.e. gas bottles or gas meters. As far as I know an infinity wouldn't fall under that restriction. In fact an infinity is full of "sparking electronics"- relays, ignitors etc so I cant see why a heat pump nearby would be considered more risky?

Yeah, you're right. Our issue was to do with the bottle placement rather than the infinity location. My bad.

It might be due to the rinnai venting - is a heat pump considered a mechanical air intake (even though it only passes through)?

mdf

3513 posts

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#1582681 29-Jun-2016 13:55

Doesn't answer your question I know, but if you're already on reticulated gas (and paying the fixed daily line charge), a flued gas heater is much much cheaper to run than a heatpump.

Aredwood

3885 posts

Uber Geek

#1582958 29-Jun-2016 20:52

No restriction assuming the heat pump won't affect the flue clearances to solid objects rules. But check the heat pumps manual. As flue gases getting drawn through it might void it's warranty.

There are separate rules for clearances around gas bottles,meters and regulators.